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Jonathan Byrd's victory last year at the John Deere Classic included no round lower than 68. So how did he punch his ticket to the British Open? By not carding a single bogey in his final round, that's how.

While it might be a little much to ask for a repeat performance, Byrd's game suits the TPC Deere Run course and a fourth career win might not be out of the question. But if you are looking for as close to a sure thing on tour this year (now that Tiger Woods is out of commission), the controversial Kenny Perry has been playing great and not showing his age the last few months.

So who else will contend this week in the nation's heartland? To see whom our experts picked this week, take a look below.

Want a different viewpoint on who may win? Try the ESPN.com FOREcaster.

AT&T National predictions
	Bob Harig ESPN.com golf contributor	Jason Sobel ESPN.com golf writer	John Antonini Golf World senior editor	Ron Sirak Golf World executive editor
Horse for the Course	Jonathan Byrd. The tournament's defending champion became the rare under-30 U.S. player with three victories when he won last year. He was also second in 2003.	Kenny Perry has finished 23rd or better in all seven previous John Deere appearances. While his elite peers are readying themselves for a major overseas, he'll be bottom-feeding in Silvis, Ill.	Jonathan Byrd, last year's champ was also the runner-up in 2003.	J.P. Hayes. All this guy has done at TPC Deere Run is win in '02, finish second in '06 and T-15 last year.
Birdie Buster	Kenny Perry. Probably the hottest player in the world at the moment, Perry has been on a roll all summer and loves the tournament.	Ryan Moore is too good not to win sometime soon. He'll contend a few more times before the season is over.	In the last three years, the highest score Heath Slocum has posted at TPC Deere Run is a 70.	Jonathan Byrd. Last year's winner also finished T-2 in '03. Must like those green and yellow tractors.
Super Sleeper	Todd Hamilton. The native of southern Illinois considers this a major and got good vibes from the tournament before winning the 2004 British Open.	Keep an eye on Patrick Sheehan, who posted four rounds in the 60s at Congressional last week and has never missed a cut at the Deere.	There's no better time for a amateur victory than when most of the tour's stars are prepping for the British Open, and Jamie Lovemark has the talent to be that play-for-no-pay winner.	Matt Kuchar. A friend of mine is his caddie. Is that a good enough reason?
Winner	Sean O'Hair. His victory at the John Deere in 2005 propelled him to another level, and a win this week would give him two this year and three for his career.	I've always thought Jerry Kelly would be a tenacious Ryder Cup competitor. A victory here puts him in the mix for one of the eight automatic qualifying spots.	The hottest player on tour, Kenny Perry has played this event only once since 2000, but he has four top-10s in the Quad Cities.	Kenny Perry. It's his fifth major. Actually, it's his second major. Heck, they are all majors for Kenny, except the majors.